FBI Knoxville Bessie team and family
Christopher Wray and Paula Wilkes
FBI Knoxville
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is the recipient of the prestigious FBI Director's Community Leadership Award.
The FBI Director's Community Leadership Award is a recognition bestowed upon individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to strengthening communities and reducing crime and violence. This year, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center was selected as the recipient for the Knoxville Division, reaffirming its dedication to promoting cultural understanding, social justice, and community empowerment, said officials.
In a statement from FBI Director Christopher Wray, he emphasized the crucial role of partnerships in achieving success in law enforcement and intelligence. "Our success as both a law enforcement and an intelligence agency hinge on our ability to foster and maintain genuine partnerships with people in all communities. People like this year’s Leadership Award recipients not only identify what others need, but they are willing to roll up their sleeves and provide services. They are building bridges and relationships while putting in the work to have hard conversations and find common purpose."
The nomination for the award stated, “The Bessie Smith Cultural Center, affectionately known as 'The Bessie,' stands as a beacon of African American history and culture in Chattanooga. Through its commitment to hosting vital panels for minorities and equality efforts, organizing youth events, and encouraging minority entrepreneurship, the Center embodies the values of community engagement and empowerment.”
Bessie Smith Cultural Center President Paula Wilkes accepted the award on behalf of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center at a ceremony hosted by FBI Director Christopher Wray at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. FBI Knoxville Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico presented a certificate to the organization at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
“We are immensely honored and deeply grateful to receive the prestigious FBI Director's Community Leadership Award at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center," said Ms. Wilkes. "This recognition not only acknowledges our commitment to fostering a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community but also underscores the importance of our collaborative efforts with law enforcement and community partners. We remain dedicated to our goal of promoting cultural understanding, social justice, and community empowerment, and this esteemed award serves as a testament to the impact of our collective endeavors.”